Derek McInnes reckons prodigal son Niall McGinn has returned an even better player – and made Aberdeen an even better side.

The Northern Irishman left Pittodrie four months ago to have a shot at South Korean football after becoming tired of the grind of the Scottish Premiership and his international football commitments.

But when the creative winger decided it was time to end his Far Eastern adventure, Aberdeen boss McInnes was desperate to swoop and get him in ahead of other suitors.

And McGinn has already had a massive impact, with Adam Rooney benefiting in last midweek’s win at Ross County and Andrew Considine capitalising on the panic among the Hamilton defence with a goal after his team-mate’s teasing free-kicks.

McInnes is loving having McGinn back

McInnes said: “Niall has been a big part in us scoring so many goals against the likes of St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Ross County recently. His movement and ability on the ball have been fantastic and he has had exactly the sort of impact we hoped he would.

“The goal he set up for Rooney at Dingwall is exactly the sort of service Adam has been missing this season. When you get into those advanced areas players can get a bit excitable but Niall has that calmness to find the right pass in the final third or the right shot.

Rooney is back on the goal trail (Image: SNS Group)

“His movement is great because he comes off his man to link the play but he doesn’t stand still as all he wants to do is be positive.

“From Rooney’s perspective he can make his run knowing the ball is coming in and there is no other thought in their heads. I don’t think there’s any coincidence that Rooney has hit a bit form and scored a few goals lately.

“It’s not all down to Niall being back but there’s no doubt Adam has taken a lift from having him in the team again, as we all have.”

Woodman (Image: Newsline Media)

McInnes still has to decide whether to stick with Freddie Woodman in goal or bring back Danny Rogers for Sunday’s home cup tie against Dundee United.

The Dons boss said: “We certainly feel there’s a lot of potential there. There’s a feeling from Newcastle that Freddie could potentially be their No.1 in the future.

“It was probably seen as a bit of a risk for me to put Danny straight in but we got a feeling for him. We see similarities between Danny and Freddie.”